April 2015: The Media Issue

VOLUME 47 | ISSUE 7 | APRIL 2015

THE MEDIA ISSUE

MASTHEAD

FIT

2

Hermina Sobhraj Editor-in-Chief Dara Kenigsberg Deputy Editor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Molly Clarke Executive Editor Allison Moran Senior Editor Aaron Valentic Culture Editor Dana Heyward Dara Kenigsberg Managing Editors Dan Nissim Digital Content Manager Dana Heyward Treasurer Dan Nissim Social Media Manager Art Kelly Millington Art Director Emma Wood Senior Designer Danielle Corcione Dan Nissim Junior Designers

“DON’T CALL ME, FRIEND ME,” BEGAN AN ARTICLE ON NIELSEN.COM. THE ARTICLE WAS TITLED “MILLENNIALS: TECHNOLOGY = SOCIAL CONNECTION.”

Vicky Mathew Photographer Contributors

THIS APRIL, WE’VE INTRODUCED AN ENTIRELY NEW THEME TO W27: MEDIA. BEING PART OF THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION, WE FELT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO FINALLY EMBRACE MEDIA AS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES.

Maria Beneventano Kaylee Denmead Thais Derjangocyan Nicole DeStefano Jordyn Ferriss Marina Herbst Dana Heyward Dara Kenigsberg Jenny Kim Dan Nissim Morgan Ronsse Tara O’Brien Aaron Valentic

PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (PAGE 8), ADVANCES IN MARKETING TECHNIQUES (PAGE 14), NEWER DATING APPS (PAGE 17) AND THE INFAMOUS TV REVOLUTION (PAGE 8), TO NAME A FEW. AFTER YOU’VE MADE YOUR WAY THROUGH OUR ISSUE, WE ASK YOU TO ANSWER JUST ONE MORE QUESTION: HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF IN THE EYES OF THE MEDIA? UNTIL NEXT MONTH,

ARE YOU AN AVID SOCIAL MEDIA USER? HAVE YOU HAD TO ADAPT TO NEW DIGITAL TECHNIQUES IN YOUR CAREER?

John Simone Faculty Advisor

IN THIS ISSUE, YOU’LL COME ACROSS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDIA THAT HAVE PERVADED OUR LIVES AND LED US TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS. WE’VE COVERED THE CHANGING

A FIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION

ON THE COVER: W27 IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY AFTER READING.

Photographer Vicky Mathew highlights the lives of models Loring MaCall and Suliann Living in the discriminating eyes of the media.

3

W27

APRIL 2015

CONTENTS ON THE BLOCK 4 6 6

Graphic Design: Where Beauty and Charity Collide Humans of FIT The Breakfast Run

DEAR INDUSTRY 7 7 8

8 9 10 10

Rebecca Minkoff x Intel Work Towards Gender Equality Condé Nast Shuts Down NowManifest How the Washington Post Thrived Under Reign of CEO of Amazon The TV Revolution: Cable vs. Streaming McDonalds: A Lot Less People Are Lovin’ It Beauty Buzz Women’s Wear Daily, Daily No More

LETTER FROM THE ART DIRECTOR

FEATURE 11

12 14 15

The Apple Watch, and What the Smartwatch Means for the Evolution of Technology Media Editorial Cinderella, From Disney Classic to Marketing Machine Internalizing the Thin Ideal: How the Media Impacts Body Image

I don’t even want any part of it.

Being an Advertising Design major, most of my classes require us to use our computers with the Adobe programs for our projects and we aren’t utilizing our hands on skills as much as we did in our Associates programs. I do miss drawing, painting and working with my hands on certain projects, and sometimes I think I can be more creative in these outlets rather than just working in Photoshop.

HAUTE CULTURE 16

17

17

18

18 19

TV Review: HBO’s “Looking” Gets Booted Off The Airwaves Documentary Review: A Series Documentary for a Serial Killer App Review: The Grade App redefines the World of Online Dating Winter Is Coming: Game of Thrones Is Back Museum Review: 2015 Triennial: Surround Audience Music Review: To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar

FIT SPEAKS 20 21

21 22

23

All the Vegan Ladies? Attempting the “Beyoncé Diet” Month In Review: FCC Approves New Net Neutrality Rules Religious Freedom Bill Brings LGBQT Rights To Light German Wings Crash Raises Questions Over Privacy Laws Style On 27

Being brought up with technology has set our generation apart from others in good and bad ways. We’re so accustomed to communicating through our cell phones instead of talking face to face, getting our news from apps rather than the news channel and scrolling through Instagram instead of looking at photo albums. I don’t know which I’d rather have - all of this instant gratification or simply wait to see someone to tell them about my day.

I can definitely see myself getting more and more ‘addicted’ to social media as the future of technology advances. Who knows what they’ll come out with next - it’s almost too much sometimes when you hear about a new app or a new gadget and sometimes

It’s important to create a balance between technology and real life and realize that we have to appreciate the little things. It’s great to share photos with friends instantly on Social Media but missing out on precious moments takes away from the experience and won’t be as special as it is intended to be. This also goes for creating artwork - as working on the computer takes away from the intimate experience of holding a piece of art that you’ve created by hand. My advice for graphic artists in our generation is to not throw away your hands-on skills and break away from the computer once and awhile to remember what it feels like to make art!

ON THE BLOCK GRAPHIC DESIGN: WHERE BEAUT Y AND CHARIT Y COLLIDE

by Tara O’Brien

“Graphic design will save the world right after rock and roll does,” American graphic designer David Carson said.

This is the philosophy behind this year’s Junior Design Show. Run by President Andy Luong, the exhibition will show how designs can be elegant, luxurious, inspiring and most of all, how they can contribute to a greater good.

interest with consumers that compels them to learn more about the product.

Students entering this field can design for print, digital, television, mobile apps - anything that involves images and creativity. Students in the Graphic Design Bachelor program at FIT will showcase these possibilities and their talent at the annual Junior Design Show.

Some people say that print is dying, and while it does have its negatives, according to Luong, “print will never die, but may reincarnate into a different form.” The limitations of print may never actually outweigh the benefits. If print was gone for good, there would be no tangible esthetic for graphic artwork. As with a physical book and a Kindle, the talent and effort that goes into the cover art is lost by the Kindle’s t w o - d i m e n s ion a l platform.

With digital designs, artists cannot feel or see how their work is affected by different types of paper or by different sized mediums.

A nuance that lies within print would be lost forever if it died out completely.

This year’s show, dubbed “With It,” will highlight the junior students’ work and show how design can be beautiful and helpful. Each designer will have three designs created during the school year on display. In addition, they each must create a poster supporting a cause of their choice. These will be presented at the show as one giant wall of awareness for deserving charities. “Designs make us think, digest and do. It creates a reaction,” Luong says on his inspiration for the show this year. In order to provide the students with professional critiques of their work, representatives and professors from the American Institute of Graphic Arts along with professors from Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts and Cooper Union have all been invited by Luong.

“PRINT WILL NEVER DIE, BUT MAY REINCARNATE INTO A DIFFERENT FORM”

Because of the endless changes in media, graphic design has become a booming business. The demand for artists that understand how to advertise in various types of media has risen dramatically in the last 10 years. The visual clutter on social media sites has caused a huge need for talented designers. Companies need advertisements and promotions to break through all the information consumers see as they scroll through their phones to sell products and more importantly to create or maintain a brand image. Graphic designers take full advantage of the vast audience social media offers. They use it as an asset to promote their creative work and rise above the other amateur designers that have access to a Photoshop tutorial.

May 14 will be the debut of “With It.” Instead of traditional tickets, postcard invitations will be passed out around campus, along with flyers plastered around each of the school buildings to advertise the event. These invitations and posters are all designed by students and will be essential in getting the word out about the show. The budding graphic designers are learning to communicate for and with businesses in a visual way, making causes and products look appealing and capture attention. It is a challenge unlike ones other professions face. Graphic design has the power to influence the population and change the world one design at a time.

Today, the possibilities for graphic design are endless. Visuals are essentially what sell a product or idea. They spark an initial

Junior Graphic Design students work will be showcased at the show “With It” on May 14, 2015.

W27

5

APRIL 2015

Photo courtesy of Andy Luong

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

6

Humans of FIT

by Tara O’Brien Cleo, Advertising Marketing Communications Major

“WHAT THEY CAN DO TODAY WITH TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED THE WORLD”

Q: What show are you currently bingewatching on Netflix?

Georgi, Fashion Merchandising Management Major

I don’t watch shows. I get so attached to them that I fall behind on class work - I fall behind on life. I don’t even have Netflix.

Q: What shows are you currently binge watching on Netflix?

Q: Has social media impacted your social life in a positive or negative way?

I just finished “Breaking Bad” and now I’m watching “Scandal.”

Definitely positively. I started “food Instagramming” about a year ago and it’s completely taken over my life in a way that made me realize what I want to do in the future. I’ve met so many people through Instagram. My friends that are closest to me are ones I have met through Instagram. We all do food Instagramming. I want to do social media for restaurants or other things in the food industry.

Q: Are you okay with print forms of media becoming extinct?

Totally okay. I am a very digital person. I just want to work online all the time. I’m interested in doing food editorial but the reason why I’m not working for print is because I like everything being immediate.

“MY FRIENDS THAT ARE CLOSEST TO

Q: What are your opinions on the population’s acceptance of new technology/ media?

I think it’s great; technology is great.

Why wouldn’t it be good? What they can do today with technology has changed the world. I mean, in some ways you can say it has changed the way we comPhoto courtesy of Tara O’Brien municate, which is sad because having a genuine conversation with someone can be more intimate than having sex these days, no one knows how to talk to each other anymore. But as a whole, technology is great.

Q: Where do you see the future of media going?

I think TV news is going to go extinct, maybe not fully but there definitely will not be as big of a need for it with all the constant updates on social media. People would rather get a daily e-mail or some kind of alert about whatever is going on rather than going on it themselves or watching the six o’clock news.

ME ARE ONES I HAVE MET THROUGH INSTAGRAM.”

The Breakfast Run

by Marina Herbst

Photo courtesy of fit’s outreach club

Photo courtesy of fit’s outreach club Last month, on March 22, FIT’s Outreach Club joined The Breakfast Run. This initiative is part of a non-profit organization called the Midnight Run that consists of over 150 different communities that volunteer to serve the homeless. The event took place throughout Chelsea - mere blocks away from campus - , which made it obvious for FIT to get involved.

The aim behind The Breakfast Run is simple and powerful: help others. It is a way for the community to reach out to those who are homeless not only to feed them but also finding a common ground for the more fortunate to interact with and perhaps even form bonds with the less fortunate. FIT’s Outreach Club contacted the non-profit Midnight Run group, which in turn assigned the club a date and alerted their homeless clients where and when the event would take place.

“On the morning of the event about 50 homeless were lined up as we set up our supplies and began to hand out hot meals, sandwiches, coffee and toiletries,” said Shona Neary, member of FIT’s Outreach Club.. “At first, you think it’s all about simply feeding the homeless. But after a while you realize that it’s also about creating an environment where you can communicate with the homeless one-on-one, hear their stories, learn about their lives and by doing that you gain understanding.”

Association (NRFSA) volunteered their services as well. The two clubs worked together and paid for all the food and donations and took care of the organization of the event. There were a few challenges and volunteers had to go to various training sessions so they could run a Breakfast Run of their own, where they learned to plan for how much food and supplies were needed and how they were going to transport everything. Neary noted her first experience on the event “seeing so many FIT students up so early on a Sunday morning carrying all of the supplies and

helping the homeless resulted in a beautiful and amazing experience.”

Next, the Outreach Club plans to work their way up into participating in the Midnight Run, which is similar to the Breakfast Run but takes place at midnight. In addition to food, a large amount of donated clothing is given away.

The idea to participate in The Breakfast Run originated with The Outreach Club, but the National Retail Federation Student Photo courtesy of fit’s outreach club

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS EVENT, OR ANY OTHER EVENTS LIKE THIS, EMAIL ARMANE_ROBINSON@FITNYC.EDU TO JOIN FIT’S OUTREACH CLUB. THERE ARE CONSTANTLY NEW EVENTS THAT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

DEAR INDUSTRY Rebecca Minkoff x Intel Work Towards Gender Equality

By Kaylee Denmead

At FIT, where gender equality is celebrated and diversity is welcomed, it’s easy to understand the need for this is not only in fashion, but also in many industries throughout society. However there are still some fields where males dominate and females have barely scratched the surface. Engineering, technology and science are suffering with a lack of women not only in major roles, but also even choosing to study in those fields. According to Forbes.com, “A 2011 study report by the U.S. Department of Commerce found that only one in seven engineers is female.

Additionally, women have seen no employment growth in STEM (science, technology, mathematics and engineering) jobs since 2000.” Major companies are working to fix this issue and one is even taking a fashion guru along.

Intel is making moves towards diversifying their workforce and they have recruited talented designer Rebecca Minkoff to help. Together, the two major brands will work to enlist more girls and women into technology and engineering jobs.

The overall campaign to interest women into what is stereotyped as “male jobs” in science and technology fields has been running for quite awhile. Intel isn’t the

first brand to try to sway female minds towards these subjects. Brands and companies such as Microsoft, Google and the Obama administration have also taken stabs at the recruitment process. Intel and Rebecca Minkoff are just the next to add to the list.

“INTEL AND REBECCA MINKOFF ARE WORKING HARD IN THE DRIVE FOR GENDER EQUALITY.” Intel and Rebecca Minkoff are working hard in the drive for gender equality. Their plan was announced at the U.N. Women Planet 50-50 Event and the UN will also be collaborating on this project. This is part of Intel’s recently announced Diversity in Technology Initiative, a project focused on

representation of women and minorities in Intel’s workforce by 2020. Intel announced on January 6, 2015 that they moving towards “technology advancements and initiatives aimed at accelerating computing to the next dimension,” as quoted from their website.

Rebecca Minkoff is an addition that they hope will help connect to women and show them opportunities they can have to learn and lead in science and technology. Though we all know Rebecca Minkoff for chic handbags, incredible clothes and fashion items alike, the brand is the largest global fashion label helmed by a millennial female. It is both creative and innovative, paving the gap between fashion and technology, with a female in a top position.

Intel has pledged 300 million dollars towards this initiative, a sum that will hopefully contribute towards a growing female representation in engineering, science, technology and more.

Leading professionals in the science

Photo courtesy of playbuzz.com and technology fields, such as Shellye Archambeau, MetricStream CEO and Verizon board member, positively spoke of this initiative to Computer Business Review’s website. She said, “It’s true that diversity within a an organization isn’t something that happens overnight.

However initiatives like this will go a long way to redressing the balance.”

Together, Intel and Rebecca Minkoff are hoping to make waves with this initiative and step out from predefined gender roles.

It’s a fight in which we as FIT students can most certainly understand. Here’s to hoping the initiative pays off and equality can be reached.

Condé Nast Shuts Down NowManifest

By Marina Herbst

Business of Fashion has reported that NowManifest, the Condé Nast-owned super-blog that hosted some of fashion’s most prominent bloggers such as Susie Bubble, Anna Dello Russo and Bryan Boy, has been shut down.

NowManifest was created in 2009 by Swedish fashion blogger Elin Kling under the name Fashion Networks International.

In 2012, Fairchild Fashion Media (then a Condé Nast subsidiary that owned Women’s Wear Daily, Footwear News and Beauty Inc.) acquired Fashion Networks International along with its squad of writers. Personalities such as Journalist Derek Blasberg, Susie Bubble, Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat, Bryan Boy, Neely of Fashion Toast and one of the world’s most famous stylists, Anna Dello Russo, were among its impressive list of bloggers.

The 2012 sale of NowManifest to Condé Nast - which brought not only some of fashion’s most significant voices (and their website traffic) under the umbrella of a major media conglomerate - took some of the bloggers by surprise, as not all were consulted on the transaction.

Even though Condé Nast is best known for its formidable roster of magazines, the acquisition of the portal was a major move for the publishing house. They already had many outstanding journalists and stylists, but with NowManifest they were able to

in a succession of changes. The company is trying to redefine its online operations, monetize its content and create new revenue streams.

Photo courtesy of flagagency.se bring the best fashion bloggers together.

Not only was NowManifest a way to unite excellence in blogging but it also acted as an invitation for these digital influencers into the Condé Nast elite world.

It was smooth sailing until Condé Nast decided to shift its attention to in-house digital properties. “We are redoubling our focus on expanding our industry-leading site, Style.com,” a spokesperson for Style. com told Business of Fashion. “We thank the NowManifest bloggers for their contributions to the portal.” The bloggers that used NowManifest were given notice of its termination in November. In the near

future, they are expected to continue to blog individually from their own websites and take control, once again, of their advertising partnerships, which had formerly been managed by NowManifest. Anna Dello Russo was optimistic about continuing to blog outside the platform. Susie Bubble also said that she was happy to once again oversee advertising on her site and WeWoreWhat said that the ending of NowManifest “was totally professional and okay with all parties involved.”

Condé Nast seems to be in the process of reorganizing its digital strategy and the news regarding NowManifest is the latest

Business of Fashion analyzed how the announcement raises questions about the future of Style.com. The website was originally thought to be the online edition of Vogue and W magazines, before Vogue developed its own website. Last year, it was announced that Style.com would no longer publish its semi-annual print magazine and the site would once again operate under Vogue, with its publisher Matt Rice reporting to Vogue publisher Susan Plagemann and its editor-in-chief Dirk Standen reporting to Anna Wintour. From the Condé Nast headquarters the president, Robert A. Sauerberg said, “The Style.com audience - across digital, mobile, video and print - is a sophisticated group of influencers who are at the forefront of every trend and movement in fashion. Reaching a premium audience like ours is more important to our marketing partners than ever before and the opportunities ahead of us are truly exciting.” With Vogue.com and Style.com producing practically the same type, quality and amount of content with some degree of overlap, Condé Nast’s strategy for Style.com remains unclear.

DEAR INDUSTRY

FIT

8

Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post: Print isn’t Dead

by Maria Beneventano

In an attempt to save the Washington Post from a continual downfall of revenue, billionaire and founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, bought the company for $250 million in 2013. For the last 80 years, control of the renowned newspaper was in the hands of the Graham family, going back four generations.

Bezos’s closing deal with the Washington Post entailed a signing of the selling documents and a transfer of the newspaper from the Washington Post Company to Nash Holdings, which is Bezos’ private investment company. After the billionaire bought the company from Donald E. Graham, now ex-chairman of the Washington Post, Bezos promised to maintain the paper’s history of independent journalism, in an effort to conserve the crux of the company. This was not an easy task as advertising and readership have been declining for the past few years.

Needless to say, Bezos had a lot on his plate the instant he closed the deal.

Fast-forward two years and Bezos’s ideas and actions have already drastically changed the Washington Post for the better. In order to give people around the

country a taste of the newspaper, the com- to access a package of unique news which pany started offering free access of their covered current happenings both within publication to subscribers of several local the nation and abroad in other countries. newspapers, including the Minneapolis The next step in enlarging the popularity Star Tribune and Dallas Morning News. of the Washington Post was to introduce This offer went it to countries all into effect around the world.

March 2014, In June 2014, the spurring other company built innovations their first interwithin the national office in company ever London, which since. There enabled them has even been to focus on revdiscussion by enue and adverpost president, tising, further Steve Hills, expanding their about the Photo courtesy of washingtonpost.com European user Wa s h i n g t o n base to approxiPost possibly offering their news content mately 1.7 million people per month. with subscription services such as Spotify and Amazon Prime.

As technology use increases, the online audience of the Washington Post rose When Bezos initially bought the accordingly by 43 percent over the course of Washington Post, one of his goals was to one year. To keep up with these statistics, transition the company from solely cover- Bezos increased the number of technoloing local news, to including national and gists in the newsroom and as of August international content as well. He took a 2014, there were 25 people working in step in the right direction in November, the newsroom constantly discovering and when Amazon Kindle Fire users were able developing new data. In order to enable

two-way street communication between the Washington Post and its readers, the company teamed up with Mozilla and the New York Times to create an online commenting system. As a bi-product of Bezos’ propensity for experimentation, the Post set up a software-development lab, to create new advertising products and discover improvements for the company’s website.

Ever since the Washington Post launched its Brand Connect Program in 2013, the company has made native advertising their key strategy for increasing advertising revenue. This particular form of advertising has enabled advertisers to take features of article templates and transition them to the use of editorial articles. Soon after this innovation, The Washington Post has also started running native advertisements on mobile devices, to keep up with the current times.

Despite the challenges print media is facing, Bezos has managed to systemically improve the Washington Post and its clear that the company will continue to be at the top of its game under his reign.

To TV or Not TV, That is the Question

by Thais Derjangocyan

Currently, the average American household pays about $90 a month for cable, according to the New York Times. But according to everyone who uses cable regularly, when you browse through your TV channels, there is nothing worth $90. Ultimately the consumer is paying $90, and is not getting what they are paying for. The resulting effect? Cord Cutting.

satellite TV. That number is up about two million since 2007. Cord cutters ultimately feel that they are paying less, and in turn getting exactly what they want with sites like Netflix. The recent challenge proposed

by The New York Times is, “are they really?”

smaller bills that make the consumer feel they are saving money, but in fact they are not. Another con to cutting the cord is that nothing is live anymore. For example a super bowl fan would not like the fact that they would not be able to watch the game

The once fantasized idea of streaming television from your computer is a familiar reality to most now. With major networks like HBO and CBS jumping on the bandwagon, it has become easier for consumers to stream cable instead of traditionally viewing it on TV. Slowly, channels that were once strictly bound to cable subscriptions are becoming available to stream for a small monthly bill as opposed to the rising cable prices reports digitaltrends.com.

In turn consumers are paying a lower price, and getting what they want in return.

This rising trend of “cord cutting” in television, especially amongst the young adult generation, is increasing more and more by the year. According to a recent Nielsen study, the new generation of young adults are adding greatly to about the five million additional homes that have “cut the cord” and no longer watch video via cable or

responsibility to put this all into perspective before changing to streaming.

Streaming also has its pros. The Guardian explains that simple pleasures like not having to commit for one whole year makes streaming that much popular. Another pro is that you can watch your shows at any time and anyplace. You make your own TV schedule, and fit it in whenever you have free time. Another pro, reports Forbes. com, is that the consumer can watch these shows on any device. Whether it be an iPad, iPhone, or computer the shows are there for the consumer to stream at any time.

Ultimately before any cord cutting is done, the consumer must thoroughly weigh the pros and cons of each form of television viewing, reports The New York Times.

Each side has an equal pro and con ratio, so it is up to the consumer’s lifestyle and the future to see which one outshines the other.

Photo courtesy of jolamarketing.com According to The Guardian, about 19% of Americans live without cable, and only a few experience cord cutting remorse.

Cutting the cord may come with a few cons. The Guardian explains that cutting the cord is essentially taking one large bill you pay monthly and dividing it into

live, or if the consumer is a die hard fan of a TV show would they mind watching their show two days later? On top of this, instead of keeping track of one monthly bill the consumer will now be keeping track of multiple services that they are subscribed to, reports The Guardian. It is the consumer’s

9

W27

APRIL 2015

McDonald’s: A LOT LESS PEOPLE ARE LOVIN’ IT

by Tara O’Brien

Imagine a world without McDonald’s. The thought is quite daunting but the company saw a 4.4% decrease last November - the biggest sales decrease in over a decade and with CEO Don Thompson retiring, the demise could be a not so distant reality.

If McDonald’s does not turn its business around, the golden arches we all know, and love to hate, could be gone forever.

Major changes need to occur in the McDonald’s corporation in order to compete with healthier, faster, more hip competitors such as Chipotle, Smashburger, Shake Shack and Five Guys. These competitors may be more expensive than McDonald’s but they have a leg up with millennials. Chipotle and Shake Shack are healthier and sell antibiotic free products. Smashburger differentiates menu items by region and uses fresh ingredients while Five Guys is known for its juicy, great tasting burger and all the french fries you could want.

These chains are winning over consumers who are tired of McDonald’s bland food and astronomical calorie counts.

The

advertisements

of

McDonald’s

“THE COMPANY SAW A 4.4% DECREASE LAST NOVEMBER THE BIGGEST SALES DECREASE IN OVER A DECADE” competitors such as Chipotle focus on changing the world with fresh products and being different than the factory produced food of some chains. Their ads are about making a difference. They even have a game available at the app store that allows you to be a leader for fresh food and break away from the unhealthy and unethically produced food in factories.

Shake Shack on the other hand, does not spend a lot of money on advertising. They have practically no traditional marketing and all of their efforts go towards social media. The chain has an incredible social media presence that allows it to connect to millennials better than other casual

Photo courtesy of buck.tv

Photo courtesy of superficialgallery.com fast food chains. The fast-growing chain Smashburger produces advertisements that highlight the taste of their burgers as well as the “smashing” production process that differentiates the chain from similar restaurants. This company prides itself on changing the way people think about burgers. All of these advertisements stand for something. They have a clear voice and purpose seen throughout their ads whether it be in print, social media or digital.

The same cannot be said for McDonald’s.

Two different commercials have been released attempting to reaffirm the chains commitment to its slogan “I’m lovin’ it,” focusing more on the “loving.”

Company representatives have said “this new focus will inspire everything we do moving forward, from advertising and marketing to how we interact with customers in restaurants and on social media.” One of the ads, named “Arch Enemies,” features characters that have long been enemies. Tom and Jerry, the Smurfs and Gargamel and Batman and Joker all meet in the ad and enjoy a happy moment by sharing a McDonald’s product between them. The other advertisement, dubbed “Signs,” showcases signs outside McDonald’s restaurants and the messages that appear on them. The messages range from patriotism after 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing to local birthdays and anniversaries. Joel Yashinsky, U.S. vice president of marketing, said the reason to highlight these signs was to “continue to tell the story of McDonald’s that it plays a role in the communities we serve.”

Both of these ads highlight different things. It only adds to the brand confusion McDonald’s is facing right now. Is the company trying to show that love is the center of its values or is it pointing out that the chain is an important aspect

in the communities they wait on? The advertisements are not cohesive enough to tell what the true message from McDonald’s is. All of the competing casual fast food chains focus their ads on one central value and are hugely successful while McDonald’s is trying to advertise two values making it hard for consumers to distinguish their new refreshed identity. The chain has failed to connect to the modern generation and continues to utilize outdated marketing strategies. This aspect of their business is just one area in which they are falling behind.

The hope for repairing the fast food giant is placed on Steve Easterbrook, the previous president of McDonald’s Europe.

He turned around the chain’s European business and reshaped its brand image in the United Kingdom. Easterbrook is known as an activist for change and according to cnbc.com, McDonald’s franchisees are optimistic about his ability to lead the company to a brighter future. Under the new CEO, a plethora of initiatives will be taken to revive the McDonald’s legacy. Cuts will be made to the menu to reduce offerings and hopefully increase efficiency. There have been no statements as to which products will be cut but according to adage. com executives have hinted that at least half of the wraps, introduced in 2013 to attract millennials, will be terminated.

In efforts to compete with Chipotle, McDonald’s is getting ready to release a “create your taste platform.” Customers will be able to customize their sandwiches at kiosks for fast, personalized dining. The platform is planned to launch in 2,000 of the 14,000 U.S. restaurants along with all of its Australian locations next year. Adding to the attempt to improve the unhealthy nature of its products, McDonalds announced it will no longer be using chicken fed or injected with antibiotics in all of its American stores.

This decision is one of the first made by Easterbrook to modernize the company.

The fast food industry is changing. The wholesome commercials and slight health advancements may not be enough to propel them in front of the competition.

Consumers - especially millennials are becoming more health conscious.

The traditional excuse, “food that tastes good but isn’t good for you” is not going

“THE GOLDEN ARCHES WE ALL KNOW, AND LOVE TO HATE, COULD BE GONE FOREVER.” to cut it for McDonald’s anymore. If the company cannot win over millennials there is not much hope for their business in the evolving fast food market. They need to connect to younger demographics on all levels. The company has over 500 thousand followers on Instagram which may be impressive, but it is not enough to reach crucial consumers. Shake Shack for example, has over 150 thousand followers on Instagram with only 63 stores around the country which equates to 2,520 followers per store compared to

Photo courtesy of rbbdigitalpark.com McDonald’s 13 followers per each of their 36,000 stores.

The company is also said to launch a mobile app later this year that allows customers to order from their mobile devices. But frankly, this addition to their business is about three years too late. The unhealthy brand image has already settled in the mind of consumers. If they do not purchase the food in the first place, who is left to use the app? The development of omni-channel resources are essential for any business today. McDonald’s has fallen profoundly far behind in the fast food industry and with so many of its competitors advancing, it may be too late for them to benefit from these recent initiatives.

DEAR INDUSTRY

FIT

10

Beauty Buzz: Beauty Across the Board

By Jordyn Ferris

The days of placing a standalone print ad for an advertising campaign are long gone in the beauty world as both large and small cosmetic companies aim to effectively advertise across multiple channels today. This is not to say that beauty ads in magazines are obsolete, but rather that beauty companies are able to recognize the impact of crosschannel advertising and marketing.

Photo courtesy of google.com Beauty products are given additional appeal by providing consumers with product samples or trials. The impact an advertisement in the form of a video or demonstration can have on purchase decision is still significant. Print ads, while effective in communicating a desired image or aura of a brand, are no longer cutting it in terms of selling power. Instagram, Facebook and Youtube have become essential tools for beauty companies when launching new products.

consumer with an interactive advertising approach simply by posting preview videos on their Instagram and Facebook pages, and then providing a link to the longer version located on their Youtube channel.

In addition their Youtube page is “shoppable,” meaning you can buy the products used in their videos while you’re watching the product demonstration. This campaign illustrates how seamlessly beauty companies can use multiple channels to effectively market their wares.

Brick-and-mortar stores can benefit from this method just as much as online. If a consumer is always on the go it is no secret that mobile marketing is the best way to reach them. Seeing an ad on your phone while you’re out shopping can add to the chance that you’ll stop in that store versus another. And with television and print becoming less frequented compared to mobile means of retrieving and viewing content, it becomes essential that most, if not all cosmetics companies, start considering marketing themselves across all channels.

Major player MAC Cosmetics’ recent “Instant Artistry” campaign is a great example of successful cross-channel marketing. With it, MAC provides the

Women’s Wear Daily, Daily No More

by Marina Herbst

For the past 105 years, WWD’s core value and foundation was to put the reader first in order to deliver the best journalism every day. Starting April 29, they will no longer publish daily editions of the paper, cutting its frequency to weekly.

It is a known fact that the digital age has transformed the fashion publishing business. In the last few years numerous magazines like W, Lucky and Harper’s Bazaar have scaled back from 12 to 10 print issues per year while shifting resources to the web. The latest fashion publication to face the changing times is also one of the most iconic of them all: Women’s Wear Daily.

print editions, they wrote a statement saying that their focus on the digital platform will result in: “[…] deeper editorial content, more breaking news and more stories around the clock.”

All of WWD’s subscribers who are currently receiving the newspaper will get the last issue on their doorsteps on April 24. After that date they will start to obtain the weekly edition on the 29th as well as the Daily Digital, which will be delivered via e-mail every day. While the online WWD promises more breaking news, the fresh weekly format will include “global fashion and retail news, striking photography, analysis, features, profiles, opinions and spirited coverage of the rich social and cultural scene that revolves around this creative and essential sector.”

This doesn’t mean that the fashion Bible will be discarding daily journalism, quite the opposite in fact.

Photo courtesy of insideffm.com They plan to use As part of the evoluthis transformation WWD is going tion to enhance and strengthen their digi- through, they will continue to expand tal portal WWD.com. In one of their latest their domestic editorial team as well as our

international staff. WWD will open new units this year in China and Brazil that will complement their current offices in Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo. This transformation has nothing to do with layoffs, so much so that they have already stated that they are looking to hire up to thirty-five new journalists.

The Post reported back in January that the CEO of Penske Media, Jay Penske, who bought WWD and other Fairchild publications from Condé Nast in August, was contemplating the move. One source close to the situation said that Penske Media plans to invest $5 million to $6 million a year over the next two to three years. This strategy is similar to the one Penske pursued after buying Variety and shifting the five days a week publication to around-the-clock digital coverage and weekly print editions.

On the statement WWD released along the news of their evolution, they took the time not only to inform but also explain the reason behind this big change. They talked about the importance on erasing geographic boundaries and obstacles in order to deliver a more timely distribution, a key element in the fast-paced fashion industry.

“In a media age where algorithms, aggregation and native content have reshaped and destroyed many news organizations, WWD’s core values and mission remain.

Photo courtesy of collectivedit.com Get the story first. Be right. Be fair.”

Some may be reluctant to this major transformation but it is very important to keep in mind that this is not a technological-based evolution. WWD will go weekly to be able to deliver even better content for its reader.

“It’s about servicing you, the reader, more efficiently and more comprehensively. How you consume the information is up to you.

Know that every day, we’ll continue to honor WWD’s great heritage and never waver in our pursuit to evolve it.”

FEATURE THE APPLE WATCH, and What the Smartwatch Means for the Evolution of Technology

by Dan Nissim

Last month, Apple held a press event where they announced the release date for their much-anticipated smartwatch, the Apple Watch. While this was nothing surprising, the approaching release date has made me reconsider the value of the smartwatch. When Apple announced the Apple Watch last September, I wasn’t particularly impressed. Like nearly all smart watches currently available, it relies upon a smartphone to connect to the cellular network, so many apps are useless without a phone. It will be able to answer calls, text, email, track fitness and perform several other functions. On the whole, not revolutionary, but the fact that Apple is dipping its toes into the market speaks volumes as to the perceived value of a smartwatch. It is more than just another peripheral; it marks the evolution of mobile technology.

The cell phone has come a long way in the last 20 years. They’ve become smaller, black-and-white screens gave way to color screens, camera phones were once the “it” thing and then there was the rise of the smartphone. Now we’re able to connect to others in so many different ways - from text to email and various social media. Our phones are entertainment centers as well as tools for education.

An emerging market in mobile technology is the development of fitness tracking as well as a range of health applications.

One of the more exciting things Apple announced at their last press event was ResearchKit - a software platform that helps medical professionals set up research studies that utilize the iPhone.

Two of the main issues when conducting medical research are finding participants and collecting enough data. ResearchKit will allow doctors to reach a wide range of participants and collect a continuous

stream of data.

Not much has changed in cell phone technology in the past five years.

Smartphones are more powerful and 4G data has become an industry standard, but each iteration of the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S are essentially the same as the previous version save for a few changes. In my opinion, the smartwatch marks the first real step in the advancement of mobile technology.

While the cell phone probably won’t evolve into the smartwatch, this new technology follows suit with a common trend in the tech sector - our devices will continue to become more portable and even more personal.

50 years ago, the average American household had one television. This was the “family” TV. One of the more iconic dramatically in the last 50 years is the computer. Once upon a time computers were the size of an entire room.

Programs had to be brought up one at a time with the use of punch cards. The personal computer, better known as the PC, was a huge leap forward. Our notions of what a computer can and can’t do were continually challenged. The computer revolutionized the film industry. I’m a huge “Tron” fan, and I’m quite amused by its Academy Awards history.

Back in 1982, “Tron” hit theaters and wowed audiences with its Photo courtesy of forbes.com wild special effects, but the images of the mid-20th century was of the film did not receive an Oscar nomination family gathered around the TV watching in the category because many felt that the that “it” program of the evening. Since use of computers in the special effects field then, televisions have become cheaper was cheating. We’ve come a long way since and thinner. Families were able to afford then. The PC gave rise to the laptop, and the more than one TV and soon the notion laptop has paved the way for the tablet. We’ve of the family gathering became foreign. come from the pre mouse and keyboard era, Since the start of the 21st century, the to interacting with our television experience has become ever content by touching more personal. We’ve seen the rise of the screen. the DVR, allowing people to watch their favorite programs on their own schedule. Ultimately, I think Streaming services such as Netflix and we will continue Amazon Prime have become more popular. to find new ways The idea of having a traditional cable plan to interact with has been challenged by networks such as our devices. A CBS and HBO offering their own streaming truly revolutionary plans. The idea of TV has separated itself film that depicts from the actual television set. Today, when this future is picturing television watching, I think more Steven Spielberg’s of lounging with a laptop (or tablet) than of “Minority Report.” sitting in front of the “tube” with the folks.

In the film, the characters interact Another technology that has advanced with computers

Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org through the use of hand gestures. The film has been a major influence in the field of multi-touch gestures, and I believe it also forecasts a future in which we will no longer touch things. Our devices will be controlled by voice commands and hand gestures (not on a display). I believe the cell phone will head in the direction of Google Glass. While many deem the project a failure, I ultimately view it as a proof of concept. We do not currently possess the technology to properly pull off smart glasses - mainly needing to shrink all of the components and creating a powerful enough battery.

The future holds endless possibilities.

One day, the cell phone will be obsolete.

Our definition of what a computer can and can’t do be will be altered, as they will become increasingly smaller and will be manufactured in a variety of new form factors. I’m excited to see how new technologies will integrate into our lives.

But will it be for better or worse? That’s the real question.

Photo courtesy of flipboard.com

FEATURE

12

FIT

W27

13

APRIL 2015

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A MODEL IN THE EYES OF MEDIA? MODEL

MODEL

LORING MACALL

SULIANN PINNOCK

THOUGH THERE’S EASY ACCESS TO CONNECT WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY EXPERIENCED AND REALLY KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE BECAUSE YOU CAN EASILY BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

THE CONS OF BEING “OUT THERE” IS CYBER BULLYING AND STRANGERS LEAVING HATE COMMENTS. MODEL AND STYLING SULIANN PINNOCK CLOTHING FROM SHEINSIDE.COM AND

STYLIST

SHOES FROM SHOEDAZZLE.

BREON HOLLAND

COM

CLOTHING THE LEATHER BLACK/RED JACKET WAS THRIFTED SHIRT FROM BUFFALO EXCHANGE THE JUMPSUIT WAS CREATED

BY WELCOME & TAHJ RICHARDSON TNTCLOTHING LINE.

FEATURE

14

FIT

Cinderella, From Disney Classic to Marketing Machine

by Dara Kenigsberg

When the live action version of Cinderella was released on March 13, 2015, young girls and women alike flocked to movie theaters nationwide for a chance to get in touch with their inner princesses. Though technically a children’s movie, Disney spent big bucks targeting adults with merchandise for the film. As a marketing tactic, the Big Mouse hit it out of the park with ties in both the beauty and fashion industries. Cinderella, which was originally released as an animated film in 1950 is Disney’s third princess-themed film in two years, and according to the Washington Post, “The traditionally kid-centric media juggernaut and its licensees are making a big play for women’s spending, hoping ‘modern-day princesses’ will spring for fairy-tale-wear not for their daughters or little sisters, but for themselves.”

Perhaps the most successful tie-in was the Cinderella-themed makeup line by M.A.C. Cosmetics. The line was promoted on a fashion blog by Disney that touted style tips from Cinderella and her evil stepmother. It sold out within hours of its online debut but some items have been popping up on eBay for up to four times their original retail price.

One auction of a four-pack of lip gloss that cost $16 retail ended up going for $132.50 after a bidding war. All of the products in the limited edition line were designed in pearlized light lavender blue packaging to match Cinderella’s gown. It included glitter, iridescent powder, bronzer, lip gloss and lipstick in nude and pink with a pearlescent effect, mascara, blackened purple pigment for the eyes, glistening eye gloss, two gel liners and a four color eye shadow. When the makeup debuted in stores, a week before the movie opened, lines formed around the block with women dressed for the occasion. According to the Washington Post, “In Jacksonville, the person at the head of the line took a selfie while wearing a tiara.”

Though not as successful, Disney’s partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue was the most expensive. The luxury retailer launched the Cinderella glass slipper collection after having asked nine upscale shoe designers to come up with their own version of the fairy tale’s most famous prop. Designers such as Jimmy Choo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Salvatore Ferragamo and Stuart Weitzman were among the designers asked to reimagine the iconic glass slipper. Jonathan Symington, VP and GM of licensing Disney Entertainment at Disney Consumer Products told businesswire.com, “Cinderella’s glass slipper has become a magical symbol of transformation. Each pair of shoes in this exciting global collection captures Cinderella’s elegance

and grace through the lens of celebrated designers, making this shoe collection truly fit for a princess.” The line, which is also being sold at Harrods, Galeries Lafayette and other international luxury retailers in London, Moscow, Tokyo and Dubai, range in price from $795 to $4,595. Each one has Swarovski crystals on them and Saks Fifth Avenue stores in Beverly Hills and New York City began taking special orders a week prior to the movie’s premiere. That

same week, the windows at the store’s New York flagship featured shoes from the collection, as well as Cinderella’s ball gown and the Fairy Godmother’s gown.

Another major retailer that jumped on the princess bandwagon was J.C. Penney. The

licensing deal included an “extensive collection of ‘Cinderella’ themed merchandise in its in-store Disney shops, including a special deluxe ball gown costume and set of glass slippers. It also launched a ‘Cinderella’-inspired marketing campaign during the Academy Awards and a gowndesign contest. The ball gown featured in

the movie will be displayed in its Manhattan Mall location,” according to retailwire.com.

The retailer also began selling designs inspired by Cinderella such as tulle skirts, blue slippers, gowns and princess-inspired nightshirts. According to Adage.com, “Other marketing attempts to promote the film include a display of the gown from the movie, a partnership with the non-profit Girls, Inc., deals for Disney Shop shoppers, a Shopkick mobile push and social media

which is sold exclusively at Kohl’s, draws inspiration from the original version of the film. According to inquisitir.com, “It includes feminine details like bows, birds, leaves, tulle and Cinderella’s castle. Conrad said she collaborated with Disney to create ‘whimsical, romantic and all-around pretty tops, skirts, dresses and shoes.” The line ranges in price from $44 to $80.

HSN’s Modern Princess Collection from supermodel Coco Rocha included footwear, jewelry, accessories, home and beauty products. The network ran a 24-hour live event and two prime-time specials to promote their “Cinderella”inspired collection which ran the gamut from an ‘I Have Arrived’ crystal necklace to studded motorcycle jackets to crystallized sneakers, and seemingly everything in between. The collection ranges from $350 to $800. Gigi Ganatra Duff, a spokeswoman for HSN, told the Washington Post, “Our target customer is female, age 35 to 55, which is what Disney was looking for. Our girl is sophisticated; she’s fashionable. She doesn’t want it to scream ‘Cinderella.’ She wants it to scream the essence of ‘Cinderella’: Fairy tale, dreamy, beautiful.”

The online Disney Store is selling everything a Cinderella fan of any age could possibly wish for. The whopping 127 Photo courtesy of seekcartoon.com Cinderella-themed items include, clothing for toddlers, young girls and boys, support.” J.C. Penney is also the red-carpet teens and adults, charms, jewelry, glass sponsor for the film and executives hope figurines, dolls, plush toys, shoes, DVD’s, these initiatives will help the retailer recon- even a $199.95 fine china tea set and a nect with their consumers. Deb Berman, $794 painting of Cinderella’s Castle done Penney’s CMO, told Adage.com, “When on Canvas. There are also mugs, phone you have that Cinderella moment, it is on. cases, lamps, pillows, picture frames and You look gorgeous from the inside out. You champagne flutes.

Disney’s appeals to women paid off at the box office, bringing in $70.1 million nationwide and $132.5 million globally opening weekend. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film earned an A CinemaScore in North America. Despite the widespread success, there are larger cultural issues that need to be considered. Rebecca Hains, author of “The Princess Problem,” told the Washington Post that the issue “is that the more closely intertwined women’s adult identities become with Disney princesses, the Photo courtesy of palmbeachpost.com harder it’s going to be when they’re parents to have a critical distance, to can have that Cinderella moment from maybe think they shouldn’t just deck their when you’re a little girl to when you’re a daughter’s whole room with princess stuff, woman.” but other stuff too.”

Lifestyle blogger Lauren Conrad, who is known for her feminine style, was another perfect fit for Cinderella’s marketing push.

The Disney’s Cinderella Collection by LC,

15

W27

APRIL 2015

Internalizing the Thin Ideal: How the Media Impacts Body Image

by Dara Kenigsberg

Up to 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from some form of an eating disorder in the United States. Though it is more common in women, an estimated 10-15% are male. A complex mental illness, eating disorders have the highest mortality rates and the reasons for developing one are often hard to trace. There are, however, a number of factors that when taken together, often produce the same result: a poor body image and disordered eating.

These factors include but are not limited to; early maturation, teasing by one’s peers on the basis of appearance, highly critical parents, low self-esteem, academic pressures and sexual abuse. Additionally, there is a causal link between the ultra thin images portrayed in the media and traditional advertising and body dissatisfaction. Understanding why some women are more susceptible to these images than others, however, is more challenging.

Body image is the subjective concept of one’s physical appearance based on selfobservation and the reaction of others. It is a product of one’s own personal experience, personality and various social and cultural forces. A person’s sense of his or her own physical appearance, usually in relation to others or in relation to some cultural ideal can shape that image. It is disturbances in body image that often lead to eating disorders. Such concerns often appear in adolescence and can span a lifetime. Sadly, the age at which body dissatisfaction is surfacing is getting younger and younger. One recent study showed that almost half of the girls sampled between the ages of six and eight want to be thinner. Another found that 20% of nine year olds and over 40% of 14 year olds said they wanted to lose weight. Research has also shown that nearly two-thirds of all female adolescents have reported dieting at some point. Add this to the fact that the greatest risk factor for eating disorders is negative body image, not actual body mass, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Body dissatisfaction is one of the core predictors of an eating disorder. That, along with a preoccupation with food, shape and/or weight is among the criteria of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Though there have been an array of studies done to detail the actual numbers of those afflicted with eating disorders, there have been some discrepancies because it is such a secretive disease.

That being said, according to the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, anorexia is the third most chronic illness among adolescents and that it has the highest mortality rate amongst any mental illness. In fact, “the mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females aged 15-24,” and “95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.8.”

Because the media is strewn with images of ultra thin women, living up to this ideal is made to seem not only possible, but also expected. Only a very small percentile of women actual meet this standard, yet an increasingly growing number of women believe that if they don’t, they will not be

considered attractive and take drastic measures to try and match what they are seeing. In the last decade, the average size of a woman has grown, yet the thin ideal that is set forth in the media has gotten smaller. Women portrayed in the media are often 20% below normal body weight, meeting one of the criteria for anorexia nervosa. This divergence has made it that much harder for women to reconcile with their own body.

Research shows that constant exposure to thin models promotes body image concerns and disordered eating in many females. According to a study from 2004, women who reported greater exposure to television during adolescence were more likely to have body image issues than those who watched less television. An additional study done specifically on music videos that portrayed thin models proved that women who viewed these videos had higher levels of negative moods and greater body dissatisfaction than those who did not see the videos. In 2003, a study found that habitual magazine reading correlated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and problematic eating, and further studies demonstrated that women who viewed slides of other women pictured in magazines and advertisements have increased levels of guilt, shame, depression, stress and insecurity.

Perhaps the most profound research on the media’s impact on eating disorders comes from a study Dr. Anne E Becker did in Fiji in 1999. Traditional culture there dictated that telling someone they have gained weight was a compliment and having skinny legs was a major insult. Losing weight was seen as something to be worried about and men and women were expected to be robust and round. That was until the mid-90s before the arrival of television. According to the nytimes. com, “Epidemiological studies have shows that eating disorders are more prevalent in industrialized countries, suggesting that cultural factors play a role. But few studies have examined the effects of long-term cultural shifts on disordered eating in traditional societies.” For the study, which began in 1995, 63 Fijian secondary school girls (averaging age 17) were surveyed starting one month after the island first started receiving television signals. Then, in 1998, another group of 65 girls from the same schools of the same age, weight and other characteristics, were surveyed regarding the same subject as the first group. The ’95 study found that 3% had induced vomiting to control their weight while 15% reported it in the later study.

Also, on a test that measured risk for eating disorders, 29% scored highly in the second test compared with 13% three years prior. Becker also found that girls from the ’98 study who watched television more than three nights a week were 50% more likely to describe themselves as too big or fat and 30% more likely to diet than girls who watched less television. According to nytimes.com “Several of the students told Dr. Becker and her colleagues that they wanted to look like the Western women they saw on television shows like ‘Beverly Hills 90210,’ One girl said that her friends ‘change their mood, their hairstyles, so they can be like those characters.’ ‘So in

order to be like them, I have to work on myself, exercising and my eating habits should change’, she said.”

There has been extensive research done illustrating the impact of the media on body dissatisfaction, eating pathology and negative affect, all of which indicates there is a causal link between the media and eating disorders. Less clear, however, is why some women are more vulnerable to it than others. One theory that is helpful in understanding this is the social comparison theory. Developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger, the social comparison theory proposes that there is a resolve within certain individuals to gain accurate self-evaluations. The theory further explains how people assess their own opinions and beliefs by comparing them to others as a means of reducing uncertainty in those areas and learning how to define one’s self. Festinger initially hypothesized that such comparisons were an objective benchmark against which a person can compare themselves, thus providing validity and cognitive clarity. From this, he theorized that people who are especially good at coming up with precise self-evaluations were generally similar, and that the propensity to compare oneself with other becomes smaller when the opinions and abilities become more divergent. He also found that there is an upward drive towards accomplishing better things and that comparing one’s self with others can often compel people to be more like those they are comparing themselves to. This theory led others in the psychology community to do further research on social comparison as a means of self-enhancement and gave way to the Downward and Upward Comparison Theories as well as an expansion of self-conceptualization.

Introduced in 1981, the Downward Social Comparison Theory maintain that “individuals will look to another individual or comparison group who are considered to be worse off in order to disassociate themselves from perceived similarities and to make themselves feel better about their self or personal situation,” according to Westminstercollege.edu. While these comparisons can raise self-esteem, the Upward Social Comparison Theory says that individuals look to others who are perceived to be better off and make comparisons showing the similarities and similarities. However, when it comes to the media, the theory says women will look at the idealized images portrayed and feel as though they don’t add up. While some women make upward social comparisons for self-motivation, the majority are made when the person is feeling bad about themselves and thus they bring about a negative association.

The media provides a vast array of opportunities to make such comparisons, and because the target of comparison is almost always impossible to achieve, more and more women are finding that they fall short. According to Westminstercollege. edu, “The extent to which females engage in social comparison processing may be an important indicator of whether they will be profoundly impacted by exposure to ultra thin media images of women.” A 2004 study done by researchers Tiggerman and

McGill found that women who showed high levels of social comparison were more susceptible to the negative impacts of the thin ideal portrayed by the media.

Because comparing oneself to others is inherent in nature, understanding that the images in the media are often photoshopped or altered in some way is integral to maintaining a positive outlook.

Though University of Pennsylvania professors Larry Gross and George Gerbner developed the Cultivation Theory to measure the effects of violence in the media, it has since been applied to other areas of mass communication. The theory hypothesized that the longer people watch television, the more likely they are to believe what they are watching is real. It is applicable here because it says that images portraying the unrealistic sociocultural ideal are extremely popular in media, and that repetitive exposure to such images influences women’s abilities to understand that such standards are impossible to achieve.

This leads to the development of a normative discontent, where over time, women become so affected that they begin to see the ideal as the norm. Further espousing this ideal can eventually turn from body dissatisfaction to a clinical eating disorder.

The role of the media does not end there. Women with eating disorders have reported that their media consumption increased after the eating disorder had begun to take root and they describe their use as an addiction. According to nih.gov, “the relationships were consistent with an interactive, circular model used to explain other compulsive and addictive processes.

Beauty magazines become ‘how-to’ manuals to help women suffering from eating disorders in their attempts to obtain an elusive and impossible standard or physical thinness. Fashion magazines support the anorexic desire to restrict, and counterbalance dissonance-creating comments from friends and family (who tell them they are too thin) by promoting and endorsing negative messages that encourage thinness and dieting.”

It has been proven time and again that the mass media’s depiction of women has an adverse effect on women and how they perceive themselves. The super thin models used in advertising and other media send a damaging message that women must look like this if they want to be accepted.

It is important to note, however, that the media is not the cause of eating disorders, but it is also not irrelevant. According to theguardian.com, “Eating disorders do not stem from a desire to be slim; they are an expression of unhappiness through food.

The way a woman’s body is equated with human value in the media can, to someone who is subconsciously looking for a way to articulate their unhappiness, feel like the perfect solution.”

HAUTE CULTURE TV REVIEW:

HBO’S “LOOKING” GETS BOOTED OFF THE AIRWAVES

by Aaron Valentic

Photo courtesy of renewcanceltv.com When “Sex and the City” aired nearly 17 years ago, it brought a tidal wave of excitement, daring and the shock of the new - a show where four single women all in their thirties, living in New York City, talking candidly in front of an audience of millions about their personal lives. But what hypnotized viewers and kept them tuning in week-after-week for six seasons was the way in which HBO let us into their bedrooms, giving viewers intimate details of the sex lives of these glamorous women.

would not return for a third season. In order to finalize the plot, HBO would in fact release a one-time special to stand in as the finale to the series.

This show came about at a time when women were finding a voice and platform to verbalize their sexual inclinations and secrets within pop-culture, a decade or so after the sexual revolution and the working woman came to the fore in the modern world. So much so, it is a modern parallel to the HBO series “Looking,” which follows the lives of three gay friends living in San Francisco, trying to navigate the windingly complicated world of dating, as well as living their day-to-day lives in a major city.

So why has there been so much fuss over the show’s cancellation? In modern history, there have been countless movies, television specials, even plays written in dedication to the life of LGBTQ people, but there was something special about the way “Looking” was showcased to the HBO audiences, sans gimmicks or pizzazz.

“THE SHOW WAS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT TO SOCIETY TODAY.” “Looking,” which premiered on January 19, 2014, obtained an instant fan base of not only gay viewers, but viewers from all walks of life, tuning into every episode to see how Patrick, Dom and Agustín transform before their eyes.

As many of us tend to forget, the television business is still in fact a business, and an unfortunate aspect is that shows oftentimes get canceled. After the season 2 finale, HBO announced that the show

And then - just like that it was gone; one of the most provocative and groundbreaking shows in LGTBQ history. “Looking” showcased the life of gay men from a real life perspective - nothing overdone, overly flamboyant or even frilly; simply as normal as it can possibly get.

It’s quite simple - “Looking” celebrated the lives of people in the modern world of 2014, where not everything is cookiecutter perfect, nor should it be. In past shows, there has always been a strong disconnect between mainstream audiences and showcasing a diverse group of people. With “Looking,” there was a sense of causality wherein this mix of different people from different walks of life, with different sexual orientations, ethnicities and finances, all seemingly tied together within the two seasons the show was on air.

In accordance with the characters’ economic stance, “Looking”was also a love note to the great city of San Francisco. To many people, when they think of where gays tend to congregate, cities like New York or Los Angeles come to mind; some people tend to forget about San Francisco.

But the city itself is a metropolis for gay life and its scenic views were considered a fourth main character in the series.

The show also offered viewers a provocative look at the inner workings of gay sex . Everyone knows sex sells and “Looking” utilized this to its fullest

potential. Throughout the show, there were countless sexual encounters from three-ways, to slightly soft-pornographic moments. Two minutes into the series premiere featured a blow-job. (As a note to those that have not seen the show, do not watch with your parents or even in the company of others unless you all share the same un-jaded views on sex, especially gay sex on television). It seems not too long ago when even a hint of two men kissing on television was considered disturbing and over the top let alone two men having fullon sex. Yet there is a sort-of splendor that comes from this; that if a television show is able to showcase these scenes, progress must be being made when it comes to allowing gay people the same advantages that straight couples have on television.

With the airing of explicit sex on television, certain stereotypes arise within the gay community, none more damaging than those relating to the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. However, by featuring a character living with HIV, “Looking” embraced a modern stance on the subject.

Not only did the show mention Eddie’s status, but it also showed him going on with his day-to-day life as a person with this disease. While “Looking” does in fact showcase this as a consequence of having unprotected sex, it makes no attempt to turn it into a PSA statement.

Because the show only lasted two seasons, “Looking” ended too early to fully be able to tell its characters stories. That said, viewers were lucky enough to get to know how brave they were and the courage it took to show the world who they truly were. Even if the show was seen as much too ahead of its time for 2015, just having a glimpse into the lives of three gay friends allowed viewers to understand and even sympathize with the daily struggles someone who is gay has to live with. And with that, the show was a beautiful gift to society today because it illustrated modern problems from a realistic, even humanistic perspective.

17

W27

APRIL 2015

SERIES REVIEW:

A SERIAL DOCUMENTARY FOR A SERIAL KILLER by jenny kim

When it was announced that renowned director and filmmaker Andrew Jarecki was releasing the documentary “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the hype on the film ran high. Often referred to as just “The Jinx,” this film revolves around Robert Durst, the murderer of Kathleen Durst, Susan Berman and Morris Black.

Durst is the son of a famous New York real estate investor, where he left the family business and gave up company control after demanding $65 million. Afterwards, he sold a few of his own properties and was noted to be worth more than $100 million.

There were some outstanding components of the documentary - Jarecki managed to land a 20-hour sit down interview over the span of a few years with Durst himself. Before, Durst refused to speak to any media; he chose to participate in this interview because he admired Jarecki’s previous works, such as the movie “All

Good Things,” a film that was also inspired

by Durst’s life. Clips of the interview are included which gives the documentary realness and a personable feel.

Secondly, he made this documentary into a series of six episodes. This idea shook the documentary film industry as Jarecki’s approach was seen as a threat to the traditional format of the feature documentary. Most documentaries are compressed into one episode which can range from an hour to a few hours. So you may ask, why did Jarecki decide that telling this story in a serial manner was a good idea? Initially, Jarecki and his team decided that it would be a four and a half hour episode. But they felt this was not enough and that the story deserved more space. Thus “The Jinx” was reborn as a six hour series on HBO. Jarecki believes that we live in a time

where “binge watching” shows is a trend. Therefore, documentaries should be able to portray themselves in a serial format as well.

In terms of audience, the documentary has attracted more than several million people by the last episode.

Does that mean Jarecki’s approach was effective? It’s certainly debatable and controversial as some argue that this major change nullifies it as a documentary.

This could possibly be the launch of a new era where documentary filmmakers can expand their stories to the lengths they deserve. They now have the option to showcase their work into a mini series

Photo courtesy of rollingstone.com instead of a typical film.

What is known for sure is that it stirred up the TV journalism industry and some, like Jarecki, are cheering the change.

APP REVIEW: THE GRADE APP REDEFINES THE WORLD OF ONLINE DATING

by Nicole Destefano

In terms of dating, many see themselves as players in the game or fish in the sea, but what about as students in a classroom?

Not the first analogy that comes to mind.

The Grade, a mobile dating application that was launched this past November by Snap Interactive, has turned this “for instance” into a reality, where bachelors and bachelorettes are schooled in singledom.

A Rubric, a point system, even possible expulsion - - it’s all on the syllabus.

By appellation, it’s no surprise that The Grade evaluates and scores its members ranging from letter rankings A+ through F. Those who maintain a C or higher have their seat saved, while D or F users receive guidelines on how to improve their status.

If flunking participants do not make an evident effort to do so in the apportioned time limit, their membership will be revoked - talk about “expiration dating.’”

The criteria on which this platform calculates each individual’s evaluation are completely objective. A proprietary algorithm analyzes each user’s behavior on the basis of three categories - popularity, responsiveness and message quality. An elevated percentage of likes would be a grade booster for the popularity subject,

while answering and being answered by potential partners may make you a virtual Einstein in the responsiveness category.

For those who possess the propensity to use vulgar language, keep note that spelling mistakes, slang and inappropriate words will diminish your rating for message quality.

Your cumulative grade is displayed prominently and is visible for all to see - serving as a gold star or scarlet letter that invites or defers prospective love interests.

These aspects coincide with the sought out mission of Snap Interactive CEO Cliff Lerner. The Grade purports to be the first of its kind to hold online daters accountable for their behavior. According to Business Insider, Lerner disclosed the strategy behind this method, stating, “Our goal was to create a community of high-quality perspective matches without having to sort through the hundreds of inappropriate and hostile singles that are so pervasive on existing dating apps.” This is why he claims his app to keep users more honest than competitive services like Tinder or Hinge.

This concept was shaped by substantial market research that unearthed a deep

dissatisfaction amongst singles using current online dating options. In a survey that compiled a focus group of 1000 mobile daters, 91% of women responded with “yes” when asked if they would prefer a dating experience that banned lowquality users, according to PRNewswire.

The Grade has gained traction in NYC since its November debut, with over 750,000 swipes, 6,000 matches and 25,000 messages from singles. On January 7, Snap Interactive announced overall grade ratings for each New York borough. Manhattanites ranked highest on average with an “A” grade driven by quality content. Across the river, and seemingly in another world, the Bronx floundered in all areas earning a conclusive “F,” fulfilling their reputation as the Bronx bombers. Queens residents garnered a B-, Brooklynites managed a C+ and Staten Islanders registered a C. The Grade is available to download for free in the app store on iTunes. The Grade may also provide metric updates and additional information on its Twitter Account @ thegradeapp.

Photo courtesy of adweek.com

HAUTE CULTURE

FIT

18

WINTER IS COMING: GAME OF THRONES IS BACK

by Dan Nissim

It may be the beginning of the spring season, but for fans of the phenomenon that is “Game of Thrones,” Winter is here. “Game of Thrones” Season 5 premiered on April 12, bringing along more death, betrayal and destruction to the land of Westeros.

To the uninitiated, “Game of Thrones” centers around the War of the Five Kings - Joffrey Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Robb Stark and Balon Greyjoy - and along with one, mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, who feel they have a claim to the Iron Throne of Westeros (it is Greyjoy who actually wants to secede). There are illegitimate children, incest, scheming, friends becoming enemies and enemies becoming friends.

“Game of Thrones” is unlike any other television series of its kind. Created by television empire HBO, it’s based on the popular series of books, “A Son of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin. The show’s creators have taken a certain level of artistic liberty in their adaptation, yet the series remains true to the books. The fifth season will be unique in the fact that it will

surpass the books, story wise. Unlike the TV show, the release schedule of the books has slowed down considerably. Many are concerned that Martin will be unable to complete the series before he dies.

What shocked me most during the first season of “Game of Thrones,” was Martin’s willingness to kill off central characters with the feeling of no remorse. It’s common for your favorite character to be trodding along one moment and dead the next. At this point I am afraid to truly have a favorite for fear that they’ll be next on the chopping block. “Game of Thrones” is full of twists and angles, shocking revelations and heartbreaking moments that have kept viewers watching time and time again.

Last season ended with some major, dare I say, spoiler moments. The biggest of all was Tyrion Lannister, who murdered both his back-stabbing lover, Shae, and his oppressive father, Tywin Lannister, and escaping King’s Landing with the help of his brother, Jaime. Tywin’s death will have major repercussions, as he was the

respected head of House Lannister.

Now the young Tommen Baratheon is without a stable advisor and in serious debt to the Iron Bank of Braavos - and a Lannister always pays his debts. Jon Snow got some much needed help from Stannis Baratheon in securing the wall from the Wildlings.

Further north, Bran Stark finally made it to the cave of the Three-Eyed Raven. His older sister, Sansa, has allied herself with Peter “Little Finger” Baelish. While his other sister, Arya, is on her way to Braavos to seek out Jaqen H’ghar. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys has found ruling to be more difficult than freeing people. She’s also got a huge problem on her hands as her dragons have gotten out of control.

There are a lot of interesting storylines to look forward to this season. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Jon Snow. For the first few seasons, I wasn’t really interested in him, but he continually shows himself to be a

man of great honor and courage. It will be interesting to see how the arrival of Stannis Baratheon will affect his course.

Lionel Thomas, a senior in Fashion Merchandising Management, said, “I honestly can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with the Lannister storyline. After the death of Tywin Lannister, I’m curious to know what’s going to happen to this family, especially Tyrion. Tyrion has been by the far my favorite character on this show; I can’t wait to see this upcoming season just because of him.” In addition, Steven Ochoa, a freshman Menswear Design student, is also looking forward to seeing what happens to Tyrion because “He just killed his dad. He’s fleeing, so I don’t know what’s going to happen to him.”

While the first four episodes have already leaked online, I’ll patiently wait for the show to air on TV. “Game of Thrones” airs on Sundays, 9 PM EST on HBO and online afterwards through HBO Go.

MUSEUM REVIEW: 2015 TRIENNIAL: SURROUND AUDIENCE

by Morgan Ronsse

We all wish to be transported in one way or another, either within our minds or by the world around us. The new exhibition at The New Museum, 2015 Triennial: Surround Audience sends the visitor into a virtual world. Located on the second floor gallery is a remote area where the moment visitors put on a pair of goggles a forest landscape appears right before their eyes.

Yet the magic does not end there. The gallery itself takes over the whole museum showcased over five different levels; the art includes painted portraits, structural work, video and photography, where cultural and societal differences inspire the theme of the artworks.

Moreover, the international artists are from over 25 countries, all offering unique perspectives on how modern-day society is viewed. The exhibit made its debut in February and portrays a number of regional conflicts across the globe. Sources of conflict as shown in the exhibit include war, transgenderism, technology and how a given society views people and the coincidental stereotypes.

All of the exhibitions were inspiring, but one that has already prompted a lot of dialogue was Josh Kline’s “Freedom” installation. In it, actor Reggie Brown, the famous Obama impersonator, plays President Obama who is “delivering a utopian speech about prioritizing social

justice, equality and environmentalism on a large video screen, while Teletubby-like figures in SWAT team gear stand guard in the gallery. Each soldier has a video monitor embedded in its abdomen that shows retired police officers, treated with facesubstitution software, performing scripts of current events commentary culled from social media. Cell phone relay towers that have sprouted credit cards for leaves loom overhead, while the room’s militaryfuturistic floor looks something like the armored tank of the Barclays Center,” according to hyperallergic.com. Kline’s exhibition was modelled after Zuccotti Park. It is a commentary that looks at social media through the lens of dystopian future, a trippy one at that. According to Artnet.com, “Twitter and Instagram users often don’t know the background of fellow users without a little research. Often that research never gets done, which is why the imperfectness of Kline’s facial recognition software makes so much sense. The construction of identity online isn’t so much incorrect, as it is incomplete.”

Photo courtesy of blouinartinfo.com

Photo courtesy of coolhunting.com

Visitors will interpret different aspects of the work according to their own understanding but all will gain a fresh perspective on how we each see and interpret social meaning . The gallery is open until May 24.

Photo courtesy of coolhunting.com

19

W27

APRIL 2015

MUSIC REVIEW:

TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY KENDRICK LAMAR

by Morgan Ronsse

After his studio album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” that was released in late 2012 received endless critical acclaim and his verse heard around the world on Big Sean’s track, “Control” hit the internet in 2013, Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, “To Pimp a Butterfly” has felt long overdue.

Over the past few years, the 27 year-old rapper has held the coveted spot as the current “king of rap” despite fans not seeing an new album, let alone single in sight.

But when his fourth studio album was released unexpectedly, late in the night on iTunes early last month, everyone seemed to collectively grab their headphones, tune out the rest of the world momentarily and listen to what Kendrick Lamar had to say this time around.

Unlike “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” “To Pimp a Butterfly” doesn’t flow like a movie, from skit to skit, describing his experiences growing up in Compton, California.

Rather, To Pimp A Butterfly follows Lamar through different snippets in his life, but not necessarily in a linear order. From discussing his rise to power in “King Kunta,” to his personal suicidal thoughts in “u,” and the devilish nature of the music industry in “For Sale (Interlude)” the rapper takes us on a journey on the highs and lows in the mindset of Kendrick Lamar.

The album is dark, twisty, soulful, political, humorous, raging, impossible to understand in one listen, but above all it’s the Kendrick Lamar everyone was waiting for.

In “The Blacker the Berry” the Lamar ferociously wrestles the ideas of racism and self-hatred. Unlike fellow rappers such as Kanye West, Pharrell and ASAP Ferg who have openly stated that racism is a dying issue and essentially that “the past is on the past,” Lamar seems to negate those feelings entirely. The song makes numerous allusions to the events in Ferguson but also what he really feels it means to be black in American society today. The

I smile,” Lamar raps in the one through and through feel-good song of the album.

Lamar even admitted in an interview with Hot 97 that “I” was the best song he’d had ever written because of the positivity it spewed after growing up around so much negativity in Compton.

Photo courtesy of play.spotify.com

rapper opens the song by calling himself “the biggest hypocrite of 2015” as he goes onto to reveal that while he grieved over the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 he too was once responsible for the death of a black male.

Throughout the album, Lamar continues various themes throughout the album with spoken word being a recurring one.

In “For Free (Interlude)” Lamar argues with a girl on their deteriorating relationship, but the song really plays as a metaphor to show the way black people are mistreated and devalued in our society. “I need 40 acres and a mule / Not a forty ounce and pitbull,” Lamar admits. Between tracks Lamar recites the lines from the same poem stating: “I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence / Sometimes I did the same, abusing my power, full of resentment / Resentment that turned into a deep depression / Found myself screaming in a hotel room / I didn’t want to self-destruct.”

While the album deals with a lot of selfhatred and listeners understanding that Lamar is his own worst critic, the track “I” sticks out like a sore thumb. “Dreams of reality’s peace / Blow steam in the face of the beast / Sky could fall down, wind could cry now / Look at me motherfucker

While the album is undeniably contemporary, it is packed with a variety of samples and influences including Fela Kuti, James Brown, The Isley Brothers and one of Lamar biggest influences, Tupac Shakur.

Originally Lamar planned on the album being titled “Tu Pimp a Caterpillar” as an ode to Tupac. But regardless the album is much more than homage. It’s the innerthinkings of Lamar as he grows in the music industry and as the society around him changes.

The true standout moment of the album doesn’t come until the very end in the 12-minute track “Mortal Man.” “When shit hits the fan is you still a fan?” Lamar questions listeners in the beginning track as he cites leaders from Martin Luther King to Moses. But halfway through the track a skillfully edited interview between Kendrick Lamar and Tupac is conducted where they go back and forth on fame, classism, and race in America. It’s the truly defining moment in what solidifies “To Pimp A Butterfly” as a new classic.

Topping off the discussion Lamar tells Tupac a poem that was written by a friend describing Kendrick’s world. The recurring poem of the album ends with: “Finally free, the butterfly sheds light on situations that the caterpillar never considered, ending the eternal struggle. Although the butterfly and caterpillar are completely different, they are one and the same. What’s your perspective on that? Pac, Pac, Pac?”

Photo courtesy of imgkid.com

FIT SPEAKS

All The Vegan Ladies?

Attempting The “Beyonce Diet” Photo courtesy of couturing.com

By Dana Heyward

Day 3

I always felt kind of weary about veganism.

I already have a love/hate relationship with dairy. But no fish, meat or any animal-by product could lead to an ultimate change in the way I functioned. I always admired those who were able to maintain the self control it took to be a full vegan convert.

I decided to compliment my temporary new “way of life” by deciding to drink matcha tea which has also been one of the recent raves amongst health-food junkies. It’s not terrible if you’re into a real earthy taste. My meal this day was a gluten free fajita with kidney beans. While it wasn’t as good as a meal from the day before, it was still pretty delicious and somewhat more filling. With my matcha tea in-hand, along with my gluten-free meal, I didn’t feel just like Beyonce.

I felt like damn Gwyneth Paltrow.

When I learned of the new 22 Day Nutrition meal-delivery program being endorsed by none other than Queen Bey herself, I honestly laughed a little. Really, Beyonce?

You’re going try to convince us that your goddess-like prowess comes from a plantbased way of life? You are truly hilarious, Beyonce. But I still decided to look into the program for curiosity’s sake.

Day 4 Photo courtesy of solarvip.info

The program delivers vegan, gluten-free and 100% plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner meals daily for those enrolled in in the program. First of all, the plan is pricey. The ideal three meals a day for 22 days program costs about a hefty $630.

But what really surprised me was that the food actually looked good. I mean, really good. “I could totally do this,” I thought to myself. Then with a lot of consideration and reassuring myself, I reluctantly reached for my wallet and enrolled in the one meal a day for five days program, taking baby steps. While 22 days sounds great and all, with the website claiming, “It takes 21 days to make or break a habit.

With 22 days you find the way,” my wallet couldn’t take that kind of damage. But I convinced myself that I could use a bit of a diet considering my recent weekly trips to Magnolia Bakery for their banana pudding as a self-proclaimed “end-of-the-week reward.” And Beyonce told me to do it, so that’s reason enough, right?

Day 1 The meals come in little “coolers” packaged in your typical microwave meal garb.

However my first meal was a kale salad with chickpeas. I tossed around the plate a little hoping a cranberry or a bean would appear, but it was literally just kale leaves and some chickpeas that looked sadder than me. I cried a little inside and took a few half-hearted bites. “Am I Beyonce yet?”

I asked with each sad bite. I was not.

Day 2 After feeling a bit defeated from my “rough start,” I was still optimistic about my new meal. This meal was a zucchini pasta with potatoes, tomatoes, and basil. To be frank, it was finger-licking good. It was good enough that it made me contemplate eating like this full-time. And then I laughed at the thought and went and scarfed down a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because I still wasn’t full.

My fourth meal was a cauliflower salad with curry, and I was feeling pretty confident about it. But then I suddenly wished my salad was a burrito bowl from Chipotle with a extra scoop of chicken. It was time for this to be over.

Day 5 I could notice my energy was definitely higher throughout the day and my skin also seemed to be looking a little better. I was swimming in nutritious bliss. But I still wasn’t convinced that I was going to start preaching the vegan gospel. Plus, my final meal was an uneventful black bean and quinoa salad. I had truly come full circle and never wanted a pop-tart more in my life.

So is veganism in my future? Well, the following day I devoured a monstrous doughnut from Dough because I felt like I deserved it. So based on that alone, it’s safe to say kale and chia seeds as a daily thing are not in my near future.

21

W27

APRIL 2015

Month In Review:

FCC Approves New Net Neutrality Rules

By Dara Kenigsberg

On February 26, the Federal Trade Commission approved the strongest rules on Net Neutrality to date. This was a major victory for open-Internet advocates following a yearlong battle that pit them and Silicon Valley tech giants against industry titans like AT&T and Verizon. The rules are intended to ban cable and phone companies from engaging in unfair practices.

According to the New York Times, F.C.C. chairman Tom Wheeler said the commission was using “all the tools in our toolbox to protect innovators and consumers and preserve the Internet’s role as a core of free expression and democratic principles.”

The policy was approved in a 3-2 vote across party lines. Republicans Michael O’Rielly and Ajut Pai were the two dissenting votes, believing that the FCC was overstepping its authority. They were also weary of the fact that the regulations, which were set forth in a 313 page document, were not publicly disclosed in full until March 12, and that there was no open debate on the subject.

They further argued that the policy was an attempt to intrude on the Internet freedom that will lead to higher costs for consumers and less innovation by businesses.

the New York Times. However, the FCC vows not to make any pricing decisions or rate regulations such as unbundling or tariffs.

According to Time.com, “Crucially, the FCC’s new rules were designed to give the agency explicit legal authority to regulate broadband-Internet providers by reclassifying broadband under Title II of the Federal Communications Act,” which would make it a public utility, thus reclassifying high-speed Internet service as a telecommunications service instead of an information service. The actual concept of Net Neutrality, a term that was coined by Tim Wu in 2003 when he was a law professor at the University of Virginia, regards the ways in which regulations can keep the Internet free and open for all. The rules are designed to “ensure that no content is blocked and that the Internet is not divided into pay-to-play fast lanes for Internet and media companies that can afford it and slow lanes for everyone else,” according to

Opponents of the new Net Neutrality rules, specifically the ISPs, argue that paid-prioritization agreements should be allowed because it does not go against the idea of Net neutrality. Google, Amazon and eBay all lobbied in favor of such agreements while Comcast is strongly opposed.

The ISPs are also against the Title II reclassification. According to NPR.com, “Broadband for America, a group whose members include major Internet service providers, is calling for Congress to intervene,” calling the decision “one giant step backwards for America’s broadband networks and everyone who depends on them.

These Title II rules go far beyond protecting the Open Internet, launching a costly and destructive era of government micromanagement that will discourage private investment in new networks and slow

down the breakneck innovation that is the soul of the Internet today.” As expected, there have already been two suits filed in an attempt to block the new rules and there are sure to be more to follow.

Gabe Rottman, the ACLU’s legislative counselor, lauded the policy, calling it “a victory for free speech, plain and simple.

Americans use the Internet not just to work and play, but to discuss politics and learn about the world around them. The FCC has a critical role to play in protecting citizens’ ability to see what they want and saw what they want online without interference… the main point is that the Internet, the primary place where Americans exercise their right to free expression, remains open to all voices and points of view.”

Religious Freedom Bill Brings LGBQT Rights to Light

By Dara Kenigsberg

In 1993, President Clinton signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law after a near unanimous vote by Congress. According to NPR.org, the law “was an effort to protect the religious liberty of religious minority based on actions that could be taken by the federal government.” However, in 1997, the Supreme Court ruled in The City of Bourne vs Flores case that the Act couldn’t be applied to states. This led to a number of states passing their own version of the RFRA and eventually to the events that transpired in Indiana at the end of March.

There has been much debate over whether or not Indiana’s version of the Act is any different from the original federal one. Both the Washington Post and the Weekly Standard believe that they are the same. However Indiana’s original statute had two features that the federal RFRA, along with those of most other states’, do not. First of all, Indiana’s Act says that any for-profit business has the right to assert “the free exercise of religion.” South Carolina is the only other state whose statute has similar language, and in fact Pennsylvania and Louisiana specifically exclude for-profit businesses from protection of their law. What this means is that for-profit businesses have the same rights as individuals and can use the law as protection for religious beliefs. Secondly, the

statute says, “A person whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened, or is likely to be substantially burdened, by a violation of this chapter may assert the violation or impeding violation as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding, regardless of whether the state or any other governmental entity is a party to the proceeding.” Texas is the only other state that uses language like this. This feature, according to theatlantic.com, “explicitly makes a business’s ‘free exercise’ right a defense against a private lawsuit by another person, rather than simply against action brought by the government.”

So why did a law meant to protect religion become ground zero for the fight over LGBTQ rights and eventually lead Gov. Mike Pence to add an amendment?

Imagine, for example, that you and your partner are planning your dream wedding.

You have finally agreed on a color scheme and go to meet with a florist. However that florist tells you that he cannot and will not do the flowers for your wedding because he thinks being gay is a sin. According to the law (before it was amended) the florist could have done that legally, and there would have been no recourse for you or your partner. According to theatlantic. com, “Of all the state ‘religious freedom’ laws I have read, this new statue hints most strongly that it is there to be used

as a means of excluding gays and samesex couples from accessing employment, housing and public accommodations on the same terms as other people.”

The backlash was widespread, from celebrities to companies, even the state of Connecticut opposed Indiana’s statute. On March 30, Gov. Dan Malloy of Connecticut tweeted, “Because of Indiana’s new law, later today I will sign an Executive Order regarding state-funded travel. When new laws turn back the clock on progress, we can’t sit idly by. We are sending a message that discrimination won’t stand.”

Countless members of the S&P and Fortune 500 were vocal about their objection as well. Salesforce, a $4 billion software corporation canceled all programs that involved employees travelling to Indiana and Gen Con LLC, “which draws thousands of gamers to Downtown Indianapolis restaurants and hotels each year, said they are considering moving their event elsewhere,” according to cnn.com. Even the state Tourism board and the mayor of Indianapolis were against the bill.

According to the dailybanter.com, “On ABC’s ‘This Week with George Stephanopoulos,’ Pence was asked eight times whether this law would allow businesses to discriminate against gay people - ‘yes or no.’ Eight times in an 11 - minute

segment, and Pence refused to answer every time.” But dodging the question could only go on for so long, and within a week, faced with mounting criticism, an amendment was added to the bill that, according to USAToday.com, “specifies that the new religious freedom law cannot be used as a legal defense to discriminate against patrons based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

This will be the first time a state law specifically protects members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination. Though many are pleased with this ‘fix,’ there are still numerous activists, businesses and celebrities who don’t think it is enough.

According to cnn.com, Angie’s List, with headquarters in Indianapolis, “put a planned expansion of its campus on hold after the original law was passed,” and also “rejected the compromise, becoming the first major company to do so.”

Bill Oesterie, CEO of Angie’s List, said, “Our position is that this ‘fix’ is insufficient. There was no repeal of RFRA and no end to discrimination of homosexuals in Indiana.”

FIT SPEAKS

FIT

22

Germanwings Crash Raises Questions Over Privacy Laws

By Dara Kenigsberg

“For God’s sake, open the door!” These were amongst the final pleas of Captain Patrick Sondenheimer as he banged on the cockpit door, pleading with co-pilot

plane began to descend. Within minutes, air traffic controllers attempted to contact the pilots but did not get any response.

Captain Sondenheimer came back from the bathroom only to find that the cockpit door had been locked and was unable to regain access.

He began knocking and pounding on the door but to no avail. Shortly after, an alarm in the cockpit went off warning of the sink rate. Captain Sondenheimer Photo courtesy of nypost.com began to plead with Lubitz to be Andreas Lubitz to let him back in. 13 min- let in and then the passengers, who most utes later, at around 10:45 am on March likely were unaware of what was hap24, Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed pening until around that point, began to 62 miles northwest of Nice, in the French scream. The last registered position of the Alps. All 144 passengers and six crew- plane was at 6,175 ft., just 2,000 ft., above members were killed. the French Alps. Investigators believe they can then hear the right wing of the plane The international flight departed from scraping a mountaintop and then the final Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain and was screams of the passengers as it crashes scheduled to land at Dusseldorf Airport into the Alps. Death was instantaneous. in Germany later that day. However, one minute after the last routine check with The first black box had been found shortly air traffic control a little after reaching it’s after the crash, but it took over a week to cruising altitude of 38,000 ft., Captain find the second one. The second device Sondenheimer exits the cockpit to go to was found eight feet below the surface of a the bathroom, leaving Lubitz in control of ravine that had been previously searched. the plane. Data analysis of the plane’s voice In a statement made by the Bureau of Investigations and Analysis, “the data showed that the 27-year-old co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, had used the autopilot to descend to an altitude of 100 feet. Then, ‘several times during the course of the descent, the pilot adjusted the automatic pilot so as to increase the speed of the plane as it descended’,” according to the Photo courtesy of cnn.com New York Times. recorder and black box shows that Lubitz then manually changed autopilot from the cruising altitude to 100 ft. and the

This discovery added to the evidence that Lubitz, who has a history of depression, intentionally crashed the plane. In a

report leaked by German news source, Der Spiegel, he was seeing at least five doctors at the time of the crash, including a neurologist and psychiatric specialists. While training to become a pilot, he took a break in studies to deal with a period of severe depression, during which time doctors noted he had suicidal tendencies. Though he informed Germanwing’s parent company Lufthansa of this when he returned to their flight school, Germanwings maintains they had no prior knowledge of this.

Both airlines said he passed all of his medical tests, both physical and psychological, giving him clearance to fly.

However, in the days since the crash, reports have surfaced claiming Lubitz

independent.co.uk, “Dusseldorf prosecutors said a tablet computer was recovered from Lubitz’s apartment and they were able to reconstruct searches from between March 16 and March 23. The prosecutor’s spokesman Ralf Herrenbrueck said the search terms included medical treatment, suicide methods and cockpit doors and their security.”

The crash has shined a light on Germany’s privacy laws and whether or not having two people in the cockpit would have prevented it. Employers in Germany cannot access employee’s medical records and sick notes that excuse people from work do not give specific reasons. According to Reuters.com, “Privacy is fiercely guarded

Photo courtesy of nbcnews.com

hid his illnesses, which according to an unidentified German investigator, included severe depression and severe subjective burnout syndrome. There have also been reports that Lubitz had vision problems, but there is no physical evidence to support those claims leaving some to believe his symptoms were psychosomatic.

Published reports in the New York Times and Der Spiegel both say that German investigators found antidepressants during the search of Lubitz’s home. They also found a note that was torn to shreds and thrown in the garbage that said he was not fit to work the day of the crash and was meant to be on medical leave. According to

in Germany, a reaction to the mass surveillance carried out by the Gestapo in the Nazi era and the Stasi in post-war communist East Germany.” Airlines have to rely on their pilots to be truthful about their medical histories and even then, there is no legal recourse to check the information provided. In fact, if a doctor were to report medical information, then he or she would face criminal charges. According to Time. com, “Germany may have to reconsider the way it balances privacy against security, at least in allowing airlines the ability to screen their pilots more thoroughly.”

W27

Brian Williams - FMM - Technology has taken over my life, but I am trying to disconnect a bit. We have become so impersonal and need to distance ourselves a bit from tech.

23

Concetta Ciarlo - Fashion Design - I don’t think social media has particularly taken over my life, but I think that it has taken over the lives of many young adults.

STYLE ON 27

APRIL 2015

Emily Arlington - Textile/ Surface Design - I try to make a point to use social media as a tool and not as a way of life. I would rather savor an experience as it happens rather than focusing on other people’s reactions to a post I make about an experience.

Photography by Vicky Mathew

Has Social Media taken over your life?

Meaghan Crandall - FMM - Social media is entirely necessary for life in this age. Being an artist, you have to network any way possible, and platforms like Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter help to build a community of supporters and future partners.

Mackenzie Hagen - AMC - I love social media, but I don’t feel like I have an obsessed attachment to it. I like to start my day by seeing what’s new on Instagram, but that’s really all that I need.

Louis Schiavone - Packaging Design - Communication and social interaction is beginning to only be done on phones and computers. I feel like this isn’t healthy and is developing a unhealthy social society.

Briana Bright - Fabric Styling - Social Media is taking over in good and bad ways. In one sense we are able to know what’s happening all over the world and in the other we are barely interacting with those right in front of us.

Kristyne Chaparro - Cosmetics & Fragrance Marketing - While I do appreciate the power of social media engagement to spread awareness on important issues, I can attest to it creating this “perfect world” that is far from the world we live in.

FIT SPEAKS

24

FIT